Indonesia: Lead a Sports Ministry and Discipleship Initiative

Utilize sports ministry to engage indigenous Papuans and migrant youth of the majority religion, offering them life in Jesus and providing discipleship and character development on and off the soccer field. Befriend local Papuan and migrant youth on the soccer field by strengthening an existing soccer ministry as it seeks to find viable ways to disciple and model contextual approaches to reach the youth of Papua.

Position Type:

Sports and discipleship ministry

Partially funded (requested to raise partial support)

Single or couple

Required Qualifications:

Clear conversion and call to ministry of the Gospel

A recognized bachelor’s degree

Completion of Missions Perspectives course

Cross-cultural training and/or experience

MLAT score of 40 or higher

Preferred Qualifications:

Coaching and referee licensure (preferably in soccer)

One year of full-time sports ministry experience (preferably in soccer)

Experience in outreach outside the church context

Responsibilities:

Regularly share the gospel through words and deeds.

Work with a team of Indonesian colleagues and international workers to implement sports ministries. The primary focus is soccer.

The appointee will live in a city or town with minimal Western amenities in close proximity to other international workers for fellowship and accountability. The appointee will serve on a team and be part of a larger network of expat and national workers.

Status of Christian Witness:

There is a Christian majority in Papua, but discipleship and godly mentoring are needed. HIV, AIDS, drunkenness, and substance abuse are serious issues to be addressed. In recent years, millions of majority religion migrants have moved to Papua, creating one of the greatest opportunities for ministry to this population in Indonesia.

Language Expectations:

Language ability is essential to ministry. The appointee will receive one year of intense language study followed by ongoing language and cultural acquisition and is expected to dedicate several hours each day to these studies.

Health Considerations:

While several doctors are available for international worker consultation, Papua has limited hospital services; serious health issues are typically handled in Jakarta (the country’s capital) or in Singapore. Jakarta has good healthcare facilities and well-trained doctors. Most medications are readily available.

Expectations for Spouse:

Spouses are considered equal partners on the team and must share a clear calling to cross-cultural ministry. The couple will be expected to be involved in hospitality, personal witness, discipleship, and mentoring. Athletic ability is not essential for the spouse, but it would be helpful.

Children’s Educational Options:

There is an international school nearby with commuting options and boarding for middle and high school students. Homeschooling also is an option.

Compensation Package:

This is a partially funded position. The appointee is expected to make an effort to raise 75 percent of support costs through friends and family, the local church, or other sources. Information on support costs will be made available upon application. Training and/or coaching in fundraising is available.

Important Clarification:

Applicants should be aware that serving in the international world often requires a higher degree of grace and flexibility. For example, overseas teams can be suddenly and unexpectedly impacted by illness, government decisions, financial realities, team changes, or other factors beyond the team’s control. The challenge for applicants is that these factors can sometimes necessitate the sudden redefining of a position, which may take place before, during, or after the application/interview process has begun or is completed.